Librarian 2.0 or a Librarian in the Web 2.0 environment?

A spin off from Web 2.0, is the label 2.0, which is now used across many sectors such as library, health, gov and education.

While some say 2.0 is hype and a fad, it appears that 2.0 is becoming more mainstream. What is important however, is the shift from 2.0 being technology driven to an understanding that technology is an enabler of the social aspects of  2.0.

Social (people) underpinnings of 2.0

conversation
connection

collaboration

participation

engagement

sharing

networking

transparency
authenticity

distributed

user generated
content co creation

personalisation
user centered

Therefore, library 2.0 is about developing and delivering services and providing clients (and staff) with opportunities to engage with services and staff in a way that embraces the social aspects of 2.0.

The development of online services and technology driven applications which improve service delivery are a critical function of the library; however Juliet Eve in the YouTube Libraries and Library 2.0: Help or Hype? warns that technology is not the solution to all user needs and that non web based services offered by libraries are still important. Additionally, she asserts that many of the underpinnings of 2.0 have traditionally been used by libraries to develop and deliver services.

I would therefore, suggest that many of the competencies of a Librarian 2.0 are qualities already possessed by  a good proportion of librarians and information professionals. It should also be remembered that within the library profession there are a variety of library roles which require different skills and competencies; therefore it is important not to expect all librarians to be literate across all forms of technology and computer science skills (such as XHTML, java scripting). Rather there should be an emphasis upon:

• proactive and engaged staff who are competent in their field of expertise,continually learning and exploring opportunities, and
• organisations providing support to staff to develop and deliver services based on human-centric approach, where service value is two way. 

For the above to occur:

• staff need to take personal responsibility and accountability, and
• organisations need to embrace a culture that supports the social aspects of web 2.0 within the workplace.

John Blyberg, a self professed library geek, in his article Library 2.0 debased, aptly say: "The true pursuit of Library 2.0 involves a thorough recalibration of process, policy, physical spaces, staffing, and technology."